Jan. 5. [One-year anniversary] The Cain Center for the Arts has surpassed the town’s expectations in every way, according to Mayor Woody Washam.
“Town investment in the center has stimulated the redevelopment and reinvention of our downtown as an economic driver for the entire region,” Washam said.
“Cain Center for the Arts is truly fulfilling its mission of enhancing the quality of life for Cornelius and the entire Lake Norman Region.”
—Woody Washam
Eco-devo driver
This past September the Town Board approved rezoning for Mill’s Market, a new 250,000-square-foot mixed-use project on 2.3 acres on the south side of Catawba adjacent to the Cain Center for the Arts.
The innovative project will have 238 residential units, 12,000 square feet of commercial space and public parking. The original facades will be preserved, along with an alley with storefronts reminiscent of a European village.
Construction starts next year
Miller
The project, developed by High Line Partners, also provides 10 residential units at affordable workforce housing levels for a minimum of 20 years.
Developer Mark Miller said construction of Mills Market will begin in the first quarter of next year.
15,000 people
Needless to say, the project would not be happening without the $25 million Cain Center for the Arts, which is celebrating its first anniversary with a gala event Saturday night. It has a 400-seat theater, classrooms and an art gallery.
In its first year total attendance was 15,000—a boon for downtown development.
Washam said the future is very bright for the arts along with “quality, well planned and much-needed downtown redevelopment.”
